Confidential teen suicide prevention in primary care across 30 clinics
Official title: Effectiveness of teen suicide prevention with confidential care: An implementation study across 30 primary care clinics
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11359675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nationwide health system is testing a confidential, teen-friendly suicide prevention approach in 30 primary care clinics to help prevent teen suicidality.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 25, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $587,481 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133566-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Teens and young adults who receive care in the 30 participating primary care clinics and consent to participate.
✕Less likely to help
Teens who do not consent or who do not interact with the confidential-care components may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
In this project, teens in primary care will receive universal suicide risk screening, confidential risk discussions, and safety planning integrated into their visits. The plan uses electronic health record prompts and practice support to help clinics carry out these steps consistently. The study builds on a successful adult-priority model and scales it up to operate across multiple clinics within a large health system. The implementation will happen in two phases: first enabling the EHR prompts system-wide, then providing hands-on facilitation to clinics to overcome barriers and improve care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, teens may experience improved safety, better access to confidential care, and more timely support for suicidal thoughts.
How similar studies have gone: An adult-focused implementation previously reduced suicide attempts, suggesting added benefit for teen-focused strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lapham, Gwen — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Lapham, Gwen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Teens’ confidential suicide prevention in primary care
A nationwide program in 30 primary care clinics tests whether confidential teen suicide prevention tools in routine visits reduce suicidal outcomes and improve care.
-
Preventing teen suicide through confidential care in primary care clinics
This study is looking at how well private care can help prevent suicide in teens by making it easier for them to talk about their feelings and get the support they need during doctor visits.
-
Improving Suicide Prevention in Primary Care
This project explores how new computer tools can help primary care doctors better identify and support individuals at risk of suicide.
-
Improving suicide prevention methods for children in primary care settings
This study is working on new ways for doctors who care for kids to help prevent suicide by using tools like a website for screening, a smartphone app for safety plans, and text reminders, all aimed at supporting young people who are struggling with their mental health during regular check-ups.
-
Comparing ways to promote firearm safety to prevent suicide in children during doctor visits
This study is looking at the best ways to help doctors talk to parents about safely storing guns during kids' check-ups to prevent suicide, comparing a simple reminder system to one that includes extra support for the doctors.
-
Finding the best ways to promote safe firearm storage to prevent youth suicides
This study is looking at how to help doctors and parents talk about safe gun storage to keep kids safe and reduce the risk of firearm-related suicides, by making it easier for them to use a program that offers free cable locks and support.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.